Clayton Smith dies after alleged DUI crash on Loop 281 in Longview

clock Created with Sketch Beta. June 30, 2026
Clayton Smith dies after alleged DUI crash on Loop 281 in Longview

LONGVIEW, TX, (June 27, 2026) — A Longview man was killed and several others suffered serious injuries Saturday evening after an alleged intoxicated driver crossed the median and crashed into another vehicle on West Loop 281, according to the Longview Police Department.

Investigators said the collision occurred at approximately 7:50 p.m. in the 2200 block of West Loop 281 when a Jeep crossed the center median and struck a Chevrolet Tahoe carrying five occupants.

The driver of the Tahoe died at the scene. Family members later identified the victim as Clayton Smith.

Authorities said a female passenger in the Tahoe lost her unborn daughter and remains hospitalized in the intensive care unit with serious injuries. Her husband also suffered a severe head injury and is expected to face a lengthy recovery.

Police arrested a 45-year-old Longview woman in connection with the crash. She has been charged with intoxication manslaughter and intoxication assault and was booked into the Gregg County Jail on a $500,000 bond.

The Longview Police Department continues to investigate the crash. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact investigators.


DUI ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION

Impaired motorists continue to pose a serious danger to everyone traveling on the nation’s roadways, often causing preventable tragedies that forever impact victims and their families.

“Drunken and drugged drivers are subject to criminal charges following an accident or collision that causes harm or kills another person,” explained Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal.

Bond added, “Separate from criminal charges, a victim’s family may be entitled to compensation through a civil lawsuit against the responsible party.”

According to the National Safety Council, 10 percent of all fatal automobile accidents are caused by drivers operating under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or other medications. These crashes remain the second-leading cause of automobile fatalities in the United States.


WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM

Pending the investigation, the family of a victim could be entitled to pursue a wrongful death claim. Surviving family members may seek compensation for loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following a tragic or catastrophic accident such as this.

“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal.

“We understand the many challenges families face during these difficult times, and protecting their legal rights is essential. A wrongful death attorney will monitor the official investigation and help ensure that the family’s rights and best interests remain protected,” Formica added.


(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)


If your loved one has been killed by a drunken driver and would like a no-cost consultation, please contact our national legal analyst Candice Bond today

(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Accident Injury News can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-986-7738 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).

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